Electra

Euripides

Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891.

  1. What then could Orestes do in this matter if he comes to Argos?
Electra
  1. Do you ask this? You have said a shameful word; isn’t it the critical time now?
Orestes
  1. But if he does come, how might he kill his father’s murderers?
Electra
  1. By daring such things as his enemies dared against my father.
Orestes
  1. And would you dare, with him, to kill your mother?
Electra
  1. Yes, with that same axe by which my father died.
Orestes
  1. Am I to tell him this, and that your purpose is steadfast?
Electra
  1. Once I had shed my mother’s blood, I might die!
Orestes
  1. Ah! Would that Orestes were near by, to hear that!